4th of July Pet Safety

Independence Day is a great time for celebration with friends and family, but may not be our four-legged family members’ favorite time of year. Fireworks and other noisy activities scare many pets and may cause them to try to run or hide. According to pet loss and recovery studies, the number of lost pets increases by about 30% over the 4th of July holiday. Other hazards of the day include gastrointestinal upset from holiday snacks as well as heat exhaustion from over exertion outside.

Here are a few tips for keeping your furry family members safe during the holiday:

Before CelebratingIdentification: Make sure that all dogs and outdoor cats (when tolerated) have updated ID tags on their collars with correct contact information.

Microchips: Microchips are often vital in connecting a lost pet to their family. If your pet does not yet have a microchip, consult with your veterinarian about having one placed. If your pet does have a microchip, make sure that the contact information is up to date.

Firework Preparation: If your pet is particularly sensitive to loud noises or you know they have anxiety with firework sounds, consult your veterinarian about possible remedies including anti anxiety medications, supplements, or other anti-anxiety measures.

Environmental Safety: Make sure that fences are secured and gates are closed. During celebration, keep sliding doors and windows closed as well to prevent pet escape.

On the 4th of JulyLeave Pets at Home: If celebrating away from home, leave your pets at home indoors to keep them safe.

At Home: If celebrating at home and your pets are outdoors with you, make sure that they do not have access to potential toxins such as alcoholic beverages, glow sticks, fire works, bug spray, or sunscreen. Hazards that may cause gastrointestinal upset or more seriously, pancreatitis or a gastrointestinal blockage include corncobs, ribs, hotdogs, hamburgers, or other BBQ leftovers.

Heat Exhaustion: If it is a very warm day, allow pets to spend most of their time indoors and provide plenty of fresh drinking water.

Fireworks: Pets should be kept indoors once fireworks start. If pets are anxious about firework noise, an interior room with no windows may be best. The radio or TV can also be turned on to help cover some of the sounds.

After CelebratingEnvironmental Safety: Check your yard for any firework debris, trash, or BBQ leftovers before allowing your dog or cat back into the yard.

When Rosie was five months old, she broke her right front arm while trying to jump into the car. A cast was made and a bandage was placed. Rosie was seen weekly at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic over the course of eight weeks for evaluation of her arm and bandage changes. After wearing a cast for eight weeks, radiographs were taken to ensure that the fracture had healed and her bandage was removed. She is now a happy and healthy three year old!

Lucy

Lucy, an eight year old Rottweiler, has been coming to Broad Ripple Animal Clinic since she was a puppy. At the age of five, she began showing symptoms of arthritis in her back legs. Laser therapy was done over the course of two months to help with pain relief, while she was also started on an anti-inflammatory medication which helped control her arthritis. She has continued to manage well with her condition.

Lucy has also had two fractured teeth, both of which were removed during anesthetic dental cleanings at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic.

Peeves

Peeves was struggling in the middle of a busy road one morning when a good samaritan spotted him. After picking him up, Peeves was brought into Broad Ripple Animal Clinic for care as he was having trouble using his back legs. Radiographs were taken and no internal injuries were found. Pain medications were started to help Peeves feel more comfortable during his stay. He is now happy and healthy in his new home!

Harrison

In December 2015, at the age of four, bruises appeared on Harrison’s ears, back, chest, and abdomen. He was brought in to Broad Ripple Animal Clinic where blood work was checked in clinic and radiographs were taken. He was diagnosed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, an auto-immune disease that affects the blood. Over the course of 10 months, he had continued blood work monitoring, as well as twice daily medications at home. Since treatment, he has had normal blood work and is a happy, healthy, seven year old!